A new approach to estimate DOA using virtual interpolation technique

This paper presents a method for high-resolution estimation of the angles of arrival of multiple narrowband plane waves. The technique bases on interpolation and virtual array from an array of sensors. The algorithm principle is presented, and followed by simulation examples. The basic idea of the proposed approach is to increase the number of sensors to virtually reducing the sensor spacing of the original antenna array and then to construct the steering matrix of the virtual array, and to form covariance matrix of the virtual sensor vector. The performance of the technique is contrasted with other methods in terms of the determination of the correct number of sources, estimation of direction of arrival.